The skewbald trotter was discovered chest deep in a drain near the Grand Canal outside Edenderry.

It was then taken out of the water, but was extemely weak and almost suffered from hypothermia.

ISPCA Inspector Michael Keane, along with volunteers from the local SPCA, spent eight hours fighting to save its life, which initially looked as though it could be successful.

Veterinary first aid was given and the horse was dried off and kept warm, even eating some food.

While the animal made attempts to get to her feet, she soon weakened.

Despite the best efforts, the rescue effort proved unsuccessful. It was not the outcome the team had hoped for, Mr Keane said.

“When we got her out of the water we were optimistic that we could save her, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. It got to the stage that continuing the rescue effort was only prolonging her suffering so a decision was made to euthanize her on humane grounds”.

Local Gardaí were notified about the animal's condition.

“There is no doubt that the condition of the horse contributed to her becoming stuck in this position in the first place and limited her chances of surviving the ordeal," Mr Keane said.

The ISPCA is asking the public to donate €4 or make a monthly gift of €4 through ispca.ie, which will buy a bale of hay and feed neglected horses so the ISPCA can continue rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need of care.